Principal Design Engineer

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic technical leadership for permanent and temporary works design and engineering solutions.
• Prepare and guide engineering principles regarding structural calculations and drawings.
• Develop solutions for shafts, retaining walls, slabs, foundations, and reinforced concrete structures.
• Coordinate with geotechnical, construction, and temporary works teams.
• Support constructability reviews, value engineering, and design risk management.
• Work in accordance with BIM Level 2 / ISO 19650 standards and CDM 2015 regulations.
• Prepare technical specifications, design reports, and assurance documentation.
• Review and approve design calculations and multidisciplinary deliverables.
• Mentor and provide technical support to junior engineers.
• Act as discipline lead during bids, technical governance reviews, and client engagements.

Requirements

• Degree in Civil or Structural Engineering.
• 10+ years of experience within infrastructure, structural, temporary works, or tunnelling design.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and structural analysis software.
• Strong knowledge of Eurocodes, BS standards, and UK infrastructure requirements.
• Experience with reinforced concrete and steel design.
• Demonstrable leadership delivering complex UK infrastructure schemes.

Preferred Qualifications

• Chartered status with ICE or IStructE.
• Experience using Tekla, Revit, or Robot Structural Analysis.
• Knowledge of tunnelling interfaces including shafts and sprayed concrete linings.

Benefits

• Holiday entitlement starting at 23 days plus 8 bank holidays (increasing with service).
• Life assurance cover of 4x annual salary.
• Pension scheme via salary sacrifice with company contributions.
• Access to a benefits platform for discounts on shopping, dining, and travel.
• Discounted private health and dental care.
• Gym membership discounts and Cycle to Work scheme.
• Electric car scheme (available after successful probation).

About the Company

Joseph Gallagher Limited is one of the UK's leading civil engineering and tunnelling contractors. As a family-owned business, we deliver specialist construction services with a core focus on client satisfaction, honesty, and quality. We are committed to a culture of safety and wellbeing through our award-winning LIFE programme.